They love their colorful roofs and fences
Out houses would be chilly places in winter....
Very
overcast heavy sky. The lovely snowy mountains were not visible this
morning.
After
showers we packed up and moved on at about 1100hrs.
I
walked for a ways. It was cold with a very little bit of drizzle.
We
were still on the west side of the road, upon reaching Bulgan(2) we had
some internet so checked emails and sent an all OK to family. Just as
we were leaving fat soft snow flakes fell on the windscreen.
We
stopped and checked weather forecast. Snow flurries from 1pm to
2pm then partly cloudy min -5C overnight. It continued to snow and then
to settle. It was still 8 degrees. More and more settled till we
struggled to find the track. Then around the corner it as all clear
again.
Although
we had about 1000m to climb we thought the snow will not be to thick...
We
continued on and turned NE onto the Bulgan-Duut track about 14:30.
It was not snowing but there were snow clouds up north.
This monument was seemingly in the middle of nowhere
What
a gorgeous drive up a creek bed.
Within half an hour we were in snow
passing corrals,
huts and yurts
along with yaks Then into the snow.
As we followed the valley up the snow slowly thickened its blanket on
the rocky ground.
We could just discern the wheel tracks under the
snow of the track and managed to continue. The low clouds drifted
away and we were left to enjoy a really beautiful day.
It
was a total of 70km from the turnoff onto the track to a small town
called Duut.
We
had decided, because of our untrusty engine, that we should camp close
to civilization. Hence sadly we would not be camping at the summit
(3200m).
Although
still above freezing, the snow was dry and not slippery. The track
was still covered in snow but looked like it had been created with a
dozer.
But
at about 3000m the back wheels started slipping around a corner I
had gotten into deepish snow.
John
backed down and on his 3rd attempt and going wide he
managed to drive up.
30
minutes later at 3150m at the switchback again the back wheels slid out. We
felt it prudent to try out our new chains. Only took 15mins to fit
after finding some warm clothes. It was -1.5C.
John
backed down and drove on up without a slip. Easy chains to fit did
not have to move a wheel.
We
continued to the top in brilliant sunshine. What a glorious vista
arriving the summit 17:20 about 3 hours to travel some 26km.
Now
for downhill. Still on the bulldozed track but a lot of snow still
on it and still very rough.
We got talking and john thought he would try
for a smooth track. I was too late with my warning that he was
leaving the track and front right went into a hole. Needed the winch
to get her out.
Just got moving again when John mentioned we had
visitors. A UAZ was coming up hill. We gave him a wave.
Very
thankful he came along as soon the bulldozed track stopped and with
out his tracks we may have fallen into more holes. Another one soon
came up followed by two motorbikes who were struggling in the
slippery rocky snow.
A very slow drive out of the rocks then a short
cut up and over some ridges, fast and slow spots, back onto track and
camped above the town of Duut around 20:00hrs. 7.5 hrs for 60km
